How we started

Mission Arlington‘s first Baptism at a swimming pool in a North Arlington apartment community. The baptism happened in August of 1986, shortly after Mission Arlington<sup>&reg;</sup> began.

Tillie Burgin and her family served the Lord as missionaries in South Korea. When the Burgins came home in 1978, after a decade of service, they knew that God had a different plan for their life, a plan which involved Arlington, Tillie’s home town.

A persistent question kept coming to Tillie’s mind and heart during this time: “If we could do missions in Korea, why can’t we do missions in Arlington?” Tillie and those closest to her began to pray. They prayed for seven years. On August 1, 1986, Mission Arlington® began.

The Lord birthed Mission Arlington® through the faithfulness of God’s people at First Baptist Arlington, Tillie’s home church. Ladies from the church met each week in homes to pray through the years. They prayed more intensely for four months prior to August 1st. Mission Arlington® was birthed in prayer. That spirit of prayer still forms the foundation of everything Mission Arlington®does today – more than three decades later.

In 1990 Mission Metroplex®was formed. The existence of Mission Metroplex® allowed the participation of many churches from around the city, throughout the nation, and across the denominational spectrum. By doing this, First Baptist courageously accelerated a kingdom vision and multiplied evangelism, discipleship and ministry to people even beyond its own reach.

Today, Mission Arlington®, under the umbrella of Mission Metroplex®, continues to be surrounded by such a wonderful family of supporters. Individuals, families, civic organizations, schools, churches, and businesses all join together to help Mission Arlington® / Mission Metroplex® fulfill its mission of serving God and loving His people.